Machine for weaving basket-blanks.



Patented Jn. 2l, |902.

No. 69mm.`

R. & W. F. GODQABD. MACHINE FOR WEAVlNG BASKET BLANKS.`

(Application led Apr. 6, 190:1.)

3 Sheets-Sheet I.

(No Model.)

. @Ofanapawa No. 69|,52L 'l Patented 1an. 2|, |902. R. & w. F. G-UDDARD.

MACHINE FOR WEAVING BSKET BLANKS.

(Application led Apr. 6, 1901.) (No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 2` Patented 1am-.21,1902 n. `s w. F. aonuAnn. MACHIN'E'FUR WEAVING BASKET BLANKS.

(Ap'plieation med Apr. e, 1901.)

(Nn Mndel.)

3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

el@ @i5/a NTTD STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ROLAND GODDARD AND WILLIAM F. GODDARD, OF ORWELL, OHIO.

MACHINE FO'R WEAVING BASKET-BLANKS.

SEGFICALION forming' part of Letters Patent No. 691,621, dated January 21, 1902. Application filed April 6, 19,01. Serial No. 54,746. (No model.)

.To a/ZZ whom t mrtg/concern:

Beit known that we, ROLAND GODDARD and WILLIAM F. GODDARD, citizens of the United States, residing at Orwell, in the county of Ashtabula and State of Ohio, have invented a new and useful Machine for lVeaving Basliet-Blanks, of which the following is a speciication.

This invention relates to a machine for weaving basket-blanks 5 and the objects of the same are to provide simple and effective means for decreasing the labor usually involved in basket braiding or weaving, to avoid the injury to the hands experienced by all basket braiders or weavers who handle the damp or wet slats, and materially increase the output of braiding-machines and double the manufacture within the same time as compared to hand-work.

With these and other objects and advantages in view the invention consists in the construction and arrangement of the several parts, which will be more fully hereinafter described and claimed.

In the drawings, Figure l is a side elevation of a machine embodying the features of the invention. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical section through a portion of the same. Fig. 3 is a tcp plan view thereof. Fig. 4 is a transverse vertical section taken in the plane ofthe line 4 4, Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a detail transverse section through a part of the device, showing the slat drawing or rake device in end elevation and the operation of the same in dotted lines. Fig. 6 isa detail perspective view of a portion of the slat-bed-supporting means. Fig. 7 is a detail section on the line 7 7, Fig. 3. Fig. 8 is a detail perspective view of the slat pulling and holding means.

Similar numerals of reference are employed to indicate corresponding parts in the severalv views.

The numeral 1 designates a frame, which is in the form of a table corresponding'to the dimensions of the machine and comprising legs 2an intermediate supporting-frame 3, and an upper bed 4, which is wider at that portion containing the main working parts or mechanisms directly engaged by the operator than at the remaining portion. At a point beyond the intermediate portion of the machine and at the one terminal of the wider portion of the bed 4 a transverse frame is located and comprises end posts 5, supporting a horizontally-disposed head 6, havinga plurality of vertical apertures 7 therethrough in transverse alinement. In the said head a plurality of catch devices are movably mounted and comprise rods 8, loosely mounted to have vertical movement in the apertures 7 and having supports 9 removably secured to their lower ends by set-screws 10, each support being provided with a pair of transverselyalined points 11, which are spaced apart a distance slightly less than the width of the slats of which the baskets are to be formed, and between the supports 9 and the under side of the head 6 springs 12 surround the rods-I and operate to press the said supports downwardly into normal position. The rods 8 have heads 13 on their upper ends, which limit the downward movement of the same, and when` the supports and rodsare forced upwardly, during an operation which will be hereinafter described, the springs 12 are compressed between the supports and the head 6, as will be clearly understood from the showingin Fig. 7. Extending from the head 6 downwardly to a portion of the frame 3 and separating the catch devices are a plurality of vertical partition-bars 14, which are spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the width of the basket-slats, the latter being primarily disposed between the said bars to adapt them to be individually moved upwardly to the catch devices. Inv rear of the bars 14 are other vertically-disposed bars 15, which are fastened at their lower ends to a cross-sill 16 and have their front edges standing centrally opposite the spaces between the bars 14 and in front`of the said bars 15 and sill 16, and held bythe latter parts are guiderods 17, which have main portions thereof curved in the arc of a circle corresponding to that of the movement of the slat ends and are held forwardly-projected at their lower portions to a degree required by lower in-v tegral angular attaching members 18, which run rearwardly and downwardly to the said sill. The said rods 17 also stand centrally op- IOO The front portion of the bed and that part under the transverse frame carrying the catch devices is open to permit the slats to pass freely upward therethrough, and in the front portion of the machine is a slat adjusting and supporting means, comprising a bed 18,

having angle-guides 19 secured to the opposite sides of the rear end thereof, the upright t bars 20 of the said guides being of consideri able length and rising wholly above the plane of the upper surface of the said bed to adjustably pass through clutch-loops :21, pivi otally held on the upper extremities of rearwardly-curved arms 22, secured to the adjacent side portions of the frame-bed 4. The upright bars 2O of the guides 19 are held between two cross-pins 23 in the clutch-loops, and as the bed 18 is raised it is regularly i held at an elevation proportionate to the removal of the slats therefrom at intervals by the grip set up on the bars 2O by the pins 23, and consequently as the charge becomes less on the bed 18 the latter will be held at such elevation as to proportionately reduce the movement of the operating mechanism therefor in accordance with the elevation desired to effectively set up a connection between the slat extremities and the catch devices therefor without requiring an excessive amount of applied power to arrive at the result sought. The bed 18 also has opposite depending rigid links 24 at the front end, to which the front ends of side levers 25 are pivoted, and to the rearward end of said bed the rear ends of shorter levers 26 are pivotally attached and cross the outside of the levers 25 in close relation to the latter. The ends of the levers 25 and 26 opposite those attached to the links and bed are pivotally secured to the side portions of the intermediate frame 3, the levers 25 having studs or analogous devices 27 engaging openings in the levers 26, the latter having compensating slots 28 at the front ends, so as to obtain a cooperation between the said levers to correspondingly elevate both ends of the said bed 18 and permit the said bed to be depressed between the side bars of the bed 4, adjacent to the intermediate frame 3, when the device is loaded with slats to its full capacity and while feeding the slats in regular succession therefrom. To the rear end of the bed 18 a depending operating-bar 29 is also movably secured and extends down and is movably attached to the front end of a treadle-bar 30, movably suspended at an intermediate point on a fulcrum-bar 31, depending from the one side of the frame 3 and rendered rigid and strong by a hanger-brace 32, secured to the lower terminal thereof and to the said frame. The treadle-bar 30 projects outwardly beyond the right side of the machine for convenience in operation, and when depressed at its outer extremity by the operator the inner end is thrown upwardly, and through the medium of the bar 29 the bed 18 and its charge of slats are raised into operative relation to the catch devices, the leverage being Stich that the weight of the charge will offer but a minimum resistance to an easy elevation by the operator. At a suitable distance in rear of the said transverse frame carrying the catch devices a plurality of horizontally-disposed depressible holders are mounted and consist of elongated shanks 33, pivoted at their rear ends in the bed 4 and having upwardly-projecting heads 34, adjacent to the said transverse frame,and formed with upper rearwardly' and downwardly inclined faces 35. The said headed ends of the holders are free to be depressed through the bed 4 against the resistance of springs 36, held at their rear ends in connection with the bed and having their rear free extremities bearing against the under edges of the Shanks 33. The space between the front ends of the holders and the transverse frame carrying the catch devices is such as to permit the rear ends of the slats to be raised without obstruction to the catch devices and leave a portion of the said slats projecting far enough rearwardly to carry out a subsequent operation.

lin the left side of the bed 4 are uprights 37 for the pivotal attachment of end bars 38 of an elongated rectangular rock-frame 39, having a normally lower side bar 40 to detachably engage a catch 41 to hold the frame elevated when not in use. The catch 41 may be of any preferred form, though a simple form of yielding plate-catch has been shown, and the side bar 42 of the said frame 39, that is brought down close to the bed 4 for the operation of the parts carried thereby, is in the form of a round straight guide passing eccentrically through a longitudinally-disposed grip or handle 43, which is freely slidable longitudinally on the said side bar. In the front end of the grip or handle 43 is the horizontally-disposed shank 44 of a slat depressor and beating-up device 45 in the form of a rake and comprising a transverse head-bar 4G, from the center of which the shank projects in a forward direction into the grip or handle, and forwardly extending from the said head-bar 4G are a series of teeth 47, which in the present instance are four in number and inclined forwardly and downwardly and terminally provided with hooks 48 to engage the edges of the cross-slats after insertion and pull them rearwardly into place between the longitudinal slats in alternation to effect the proper basket weave or braid. On the front extremity of the side bar 42 a stop 49 is fixed to limit the forward movement of the handle or grip 43, the parts being so proportioned and the shank 44 and teeth 47 having such forward projection in relation to the handle or grip that said hooked terminals of the teeth will be disposed in proper operative position on the holders at the beginning of the stroke to properly depress alternate longitudinal slats and catch the cross-slats as they are positioned by the ICO IIO

fingers 64 in set position.

operator. In the preliminary step of arranging the slats longitudinally on the bed the use of the depressor and beating-up device is not needed, and during such time the frame 39 is locked up out of the way, as shown by Fig. 1.

lExtending longitudinally of the bed 4 inwardly a short distance from the opposite side edges thereof are track-irons 50, which have their upper edges level with the surface of the said bed, and on the inner sides of the said irons the bed is formed withslots 51. The rear extremities of the track-irons are elevated, as at 52, and longitudinally shiftable on the said bed 4 is a carriage 53, having opposite side bars 54 and 55, the bar 55 being short and provided with a single fianged wheel 56 to engage the track-iron on that side and the side bar 54 being of considerable length and provided with two flanged wheels 57 at the front and rear extremities thereof to engage the track-iron on that side of the bed 4. The side bars 54 and 55 of the carriage are connected by a rrear diagonal bar 58, having an upwardly-projecting handle or grip 59 for operating the carriage, and in the front extremities of the said side bars a transverse fulcrum-bar 60 is movably mounted andprovided with a rearwardly-extending handle or grip 61 and forwardly-projecting arms 62, connected to the upper edge of a vertically-disposed keeper 62a in vthe form of a plate, having a plurality of slots 63 vertically disposed therein, as clearly shown by Fig. 8, the said slots being in transverse alinement and having spring-fingers 64 loosely projecting therethrough from the said fulcrum-bar 60. The said spring-fingers have front downwardly-curved extremities 65,with pointed ends 66, which are normally held at an elevation above the top surface of the bed 4. The slots 63 of the keeper 62a hold the fingers 64 regularly spaced apart in a transverse direction at all times; but said fingers are free to have a vertical movement or spring action in said slots. The right end of the keeper 62 has an outwardly-extendin g catch projection 67, and on the front extremity of the side bar 54 of the carriage 53 a catch 68 is pivotally mounted and hasl an upper forwardly-projecting angular end 69 and a recess 70, forming a shoulder to receive the said projection of the keeper, andthus hold up the The said catch 68 will work practically without` any springattachment in connection therewith; but at times it may be desirable to apply a spring thereto in order to cause it to automatically assume a locking position. Such addition is an obvious expedient and will be readily understood by those skilled in the art of mechanics. of the fingers 64 are disposed in longitudinal planes about centrally of the spaces between the points 11 of the Slat-catch devices working in the transverse frame, so that said fingers will about centrally engage theV forward The front curved pointed extremitiesv extremities of the slats held in elevated position in said transverse frame, as will be presently explained. VThe rear elevated extremities of the track-rails act to check the rearward movement of the carriage 53 and also to lower the front extremity of the latter and the points of the fingers 64 close to the upper surface of the bed 4, so as to firmly hold the caught slats in operative position on the said bed during the operation of braiding or weaving said slats. f

In preparing the machine for weaving or .braiding the slats the bed 18 is loaded with a -preliminary preparations the operator takes position at the right side of the machine adjacent to the treadle-bar 30. To begin, the

operator depresses the outer end of the treadle-bar, and thereby raises the charge of slats,so that the uppermost ones willbe caught and held on the points 11, and while the charge i's thus elevated the operator moves the carriage 53, with the fingers 64 in set position,

over the bed 4 to the front, the pointed ends of the said fingers being high enough to f'all over the caught slats with considerable force when the carriage is fully on a'level. The carriage 53 is pushed forwardly until the end 69 of the catch 68 strikes the portion of the head 6 in line therewith, and when this happens the said catch will be thrown off the projection 67 of the keeper 62a, and thereby permit theY latter to gravitate and carry therewith the spring-fingers 64, which strike' and become embedded in the caught slats. As soon as this takes places the operator releases the treadle-bar 30 and permits the charge of uncaught slats to descend clear of those now held by the points 11 and the fingers G4. After the charge has lowered the operator disengages the slats from the points 11 by pressure on the fingers 64 and draws the slats rearwardly over the bed, the parts being so proportioned or adjusted that when the carriage shall have reachedits rear limit of movement the slats will be properly disposed on the bed and their front ends will rest on the front headed ends of the holders. The rear ends of the slats are continually held by the pointed ends of the fingers 64, and in the present instance the braid or weave will consist of eight longitudinal slats and an equal number of transverse or cross slats, which may be respectively considered the warp and woot slats. While the slats that have been drawn from the charge are' in the position just set forth, the rock-frame 39 is released and drawn downwardly to the bed 4 and the grip or handle 43 is pushed rearwardly until the termi- IOO then presses downwardly on the device 45 when arranged as set forth and causes the slats engaged by the teeth to lower below the plane of the unengaged slats of the group, the pressure being applied with the left hand, and

with the right hand the operator then picks up a single slat from a stack or pile placed near him and inserts or threads the same transversely through the open spaces in alternation between the slats as thus produced. After the said cross slat is in place the pressure on the device 45 is relaxed and the latter is moved rearwardly over and close to the slats to cause the hook-terminals 48 of the teeth 47 to catch the front edge of the said inserted cross-Slat and pull the same rearwardly between the longitudinal slats until the upstanding stops 7l on the bed 4 are reached. The device 45 is again pushed forwardly and turned through the medium of the grip or handle 43110 cause the teeth thereof to bear on the slats that were left unen-n gaged thereby in the first step or introduction of the first cross-Slat, as shown by Fig. 5, and said second setof slats are then likewise depressed and a second cross-Slat is inserted and pulled rearwardly, this operation being repeated until the braid or weave of the number of slats desired is completed. It will be understood that the eccentric attachment of the device 45 in the grip or handle 43 and the swivel or pivotal connection of the latter to the shank 44, or vice versa, permits the turning movement of the said device 45 accurately to two positions to accomplish the ret sult sought. The braid having been completed, the fingers 64 are disengaged therefrom and reset and the braid then removed from the bed 4. The rock-frame 39 is again locked up ont of the way, and the charge of slats is a second time elevated to cause the points 1l to engage a second set, and after this preliminary step the same operation is pursued as before.

The improved machine will be readily understood in view of its simplicity, and if the operator be a woman or girl, by whom this work is usually carried on, no complex study or training is required to become acquainted with the details of the purpose and mode of operating the several parts with the material advantage of a doubled output. Furthermore, injury to the hands of the operator usually arising from handling the moist or wet slats is entirely avoided, and, moreover, the few parts required to render the machine effective and complete in every detail will result in aminimum cost of manufacture. The machine is subject to a wide range of modification in the form, size, proportions, and details of construction fully within the purview of the invention, and though a machine having a capacity of operating with a maximum of eight slats is shown it will be understood that its capacity to operate on more or less slats can be changed at will Without departing from the principle involved. The parts are all of a light, strong, and durable nature and can be operated by a female without straining or injurious exertion.

While particularly adapted for basket braiding or weaving, the machine may at times be used for forming braids or weaves for other purposes to which it may be applicable.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is l. ln a machine for weaving basket-blanks of the class set forth, the combination of means for elevating and catchingaset of slats, means for disposing the slats in position for braiding or weaving, and means for alternately depressing the longitudinal slats for insertion of cross-slats and placement of the latter in close relation.

2. ln a machine for weaving basket-blanks of the class set fortli,the combination of means for elevating and catching a set of slats, means for disposing the slats in position for Weaving, depressible holders for the slats, and means for alternately depressing the longitudinal slats for insertion of cross-slats and placement of the latter in close relation.

ln a machine for weaving basket-blanks of the class set forth,the combination of means for separating distinct sets of slats from a charge of the same, means for disposing the slats in position for weaving, and means for alternately depressing the longitudinal slats for insertion of cross-slats and placement of the latter in close relation.

4. In a machine for weavingbasket-blanks of the class set forth,the combination of means for separating distinct sets of slats from a charge of the same, means for drawing the distinct sets of slats away from the charge and longitudinally disposing the slats for weaving, and means for alternately depressing the slats of each set and for properly locating and placing the cross-slats.

5. In a braiding or weaving machine of the class set forth, the combination of pointed means for separating slats into distinct sets, and means for arranging the said sets of slats longitudinally and alternately depressing the slats of each set to provide openings for the insertion and interweave of cross-slats.

6. In a braiding or weaving machine of the class set forth, the combination of pointed means for separating slats into distinct sets, and means for holding and alternately depressing the individual slats of said sets for reception of cross-slats.

7. In a machine for weaving basket-blanks of the class set forth, the combination of pointed means for separating slats into dis- IOC IIO

tinct sets, a series of pointed devices to engage and longitudinally dispose said sets, and means for disposing the said sets for reception of cross-slats.

8. In a machine for Weaving basket-blanks of the class set forth,the combination of means A for separating slats into distinct se'ts, devices for longitudinally moving and holding said sets, and a depressing and beating-up device for alternately depressing the said sets of slats` gitudinally drawing and holding said slats,

a laterally and longitudinally movable attachment for alternately depressing the said sets of slats and placing the cross-slats therebetween, and a movable support for said attachment to clear the latter from the machine-bed when not in use.

11. In a machine for Weaving basket-blanks ofthe class set forth,the combination ot means for separating slats into distinct sets, a carriage having a series of pointed devices automatically operating, after release, to engage the slats and move them into position for receiving cross-slats, and means for alternately disposing the said slats moved by the carriage for receiving the cross-slats.

12. In a machine for weavingbasket-blanks of the class set forth,the combination of means for separating slats into distinct sets, a carriage having a series of pointed devices for engaging the sets of slats and disposing them longitudinally, and means comprising teeth With hooked terminals for alternately depressing the lon gitudinally-disposed slats for receiving and placing cross-slats.

13. In a machine for Weavingbasket-blanks of the class set forth,the combination of means for separating slats into distinct sets, a carriage having a series of pointed devices for engaging the sets of slats and disposing them longitudinally, and eccentrically mounted slidable means for causing the slats to be alternately spaced apart to receive cross-slats and place the latter.

14. In a machine for Weaving basket-blanks of the class set forth,the combination of means for separating slats -into sets, means for engaging the sets of slats and disposing them to receive cross-slats, and eccentrically-mounted slidable means for causing the slats to be alternately spaced apart to receive cross-slats and place the latter.

15. In a machine for Weaving basket-blanks of the class set forth,tl1e combination of means for separating slats into sets, a carriage having a series of resilient pointed devices to engage said slats and dispose the latter in position to receive cross-slats, a series of depressible holders for supporting said slats, and means for alternatelyv depressing the slats moved by the carriage to receive cross-slats and place the latter.

16. Inamachine for Weavingbasket-blanks of the class set forth, the combination of a frame, a depressible and elevatable slat-supporting bed at one end of the frame, catch de! vices against which the forward extremities of the slats are moved, means for disposing the slats on the frame to receive cross-slats, and means for spacing the slats on the frame apart to receive the-cross-slats and for placing the latter.

17. In a machine for Weaving basket-blanks of the class set forth, the combination of a frame, a depressible and elevatable Slat-supporting bed at one end of the frame having clutch devices at its front end for regulating the depth ot' depression thereof, means for en-l gaging'and holding the rear extremities of the slats in sets, and means for arranging the slats on the frame to receive cross-slats and place the latter.

18. In a machine for Weaving basket-blanksof the class set forth, Vthe combination ofA a frame, catch devices arranged in transverse alinement in operative relation to the frame, partition-bars separating the catch devices and depending below the latter, a depressible and elevatable bed for holding slats which are` arranged thereon in stacks with the rearextremities of the stacks between the said bars,

-Whereby the slats will be accurately fed to the Vot' the class set forth, the combination of a frame, a verticallynnovable Slat-supporting bed at one end of the frame, means for separating the slats into sets, means for holding the rear extremities of the slats in stacks, and independent means for arranging the slats on the frame and to alternately depress the slats to receive cross-slats and place the latter.

21. A machine for Weaving basket-blanks of the class set forth having a Slat-supporting means which is vertically movable, means for separating the rear extremities of the slats into stacks, and yielding pointed means for separating the slats from the stacks into distinct sets.

22. A machine for Weaving basket-blanks of the class set forth having a slat-supportin g IOO means which is vertically movable, Slat-catch devices comprising spring-actuated rods each carrying a lower pair of points, and means for releasing the slats from the said points and disposing them in position for receiving cross-slats.

23. A machine for Weaving basket-blanks having a frame, a vertically-movable slatsupporting bed at one end of the frame having levers connected to the under side thereof and to the frame, a treadle connected to the bed and projecting outwardly at one side of the frame, forwardly-curved arms connected to the front end of the frame on opposite sides, clutch-loops movably attached to said arms, angle-bars secured to the bed and having upwardly-projecting portions movably mounted in the said clutch-loops, means for separating the slats into sets, and means for disposing the slats on the frame for receiving cross-slats.

24. A machine for Weaving basket-blanks of the class set forth comprising means for bringing slats up into position and holding them in sets, a carriage having a slotted keeper at its front end, a fulcrum-bar carrying a series of springfingers projecting through said keeperand having front pointed ends to engage the sets ot' slats, means for locking the fingers elevated, and means for regularly disposing cross-slats in the slats held by the fingers.

:35. In a machine for Weaving basket-blanks of the class set forth, means for disposing slats in engaging position in distinct sets, means for arranging the sets of `slats in place for receiving cross-slats therebetween, and a rockframe having a straight side on which a slat depressing and beating-up device is pivotally and slidingly mounted and comprising a swiveled rake-like device.

26. In a machine for Weavingbasket-blanks of the class set forth, comprising a frame, means for disposing slats in separate sets, means for arranging the sets of slats longitudinally on the frame, a rock-frame pivotally supported at one side of the frame and having a straight side bar, a grip eccentricallypivoted and free to longitudinally slide on said side bar, and a rake-like device swiveled to said grip.

In testimony that we claim the foregoing as our own We have hereto affixed onrsignatnres in the presence of two witnesses.

ROLAND GODDARD. XV. F. GODDARD.

Witnesses:

C. E. MEREDITH, II. E. GRisWoLD. 

